Denver Birth Photographer

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There's nothing quite like a soothing bath, particularly in those first postpartum days, when you're yearning for speedy healing and recovery! If the postpartum herbal bath isn't high on your to-do list following delivery, it's probably because you, A) haven't heard a darned thing about it, B) don't have time to read about it, or C) don't feel like throwing together a recipe today, tomorrow, or yesterday. If the answer is B, just know that the postpartum herbal bath is amazing, and your perineum will thank you. If your answer is C, then my friend, Althea, with Mother's Life Tea, has prepared the herbs for you, and has teamed up with me to provide this article to you!

And if you do have time to read on, kudos!

Herbal Bath Session :: Denver Birth Photography

It's no secret that, throughout history, herbs have been used and proven beneficial throughout pregnancy and after delivery. Dr. Christopher (Herbalist) sums it up: "When taken regularly in pregnancy, the infusion will quiet inappropriate premature pains and produce a safe, speedy, and easy delivery. Raspberry leaves stimulate, tone, and regulate before and during childbearing, assisting contractions and checking hemorrhage during labor, relieving after-pains, then strengthening, cleansing, and enriching the milk of the mother in the post-deliver period."

So what IS the postpartum herbal bath?

Think bathtub plus healing, soothing herbs. It's like relaxing in a giant cup of tea. This soothing soak will decrease swelling of the vagina after childbirth. What new mom would pass up reduced pain and inflammation of swollen, irritated tissue around the vagina, perineum, and rectum?? The soak will also reduce breast soreness and assist in the healing of tears, sutures, and swelling symptoms of hemorrhoids. And if you happen to not be pregnant, but simply enjoy scouring my website and reading this article, and maybe you even stalk me a little, you may be interested to know that the herbal bath is also beneficial for women during their cycles, reducing inflammation, discomfort, and pain from swelling!

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And how am I going to find the time to take a bath when I have a newborn?

Your babe will benefit from the postpartum herbal bath, too! Remember, you're not the only one who needs healing! Specifically, we're talking about that cord stump, as well as any irritated skin. The postpartum herbal bath is physically healing, and can also be a profound opportunity for emotional healing and bonding with baby.

Hold on. What does this have to do with photography?

Many of my clients love to have baby's first bath captured in photographs. The serene, postpartum herbal bath, filled with delicious cuddles and breastfeeding, is a great alternative to the more rushed and stimulating hospital bath. If this is something that interests you, we can definitely incorporate the herbal bath into your Afterglow Session.

What are the ingredients?

You'll see many variations of the herbal bath if you sift through the internet. Here's what's in Mother's Life Tea's Soothing Sitz:

Canendula Flowers: It prevents infection and aids in the healing of the perineum.

If your baby will be joining you in your herbal soak, be sure the water is not too warm. Support baby's head above water, allowing baby's body to float. Enjoy this amazing healing and bonding opportunity!

**WARNING - If you plan to add flowers to your herbal bath for visual appeal, be sure they are pesticide-free**

How soon after birth can I take the postpartum herbal bath?

You can take a sitz bath as soon as you feel comfortable. If you've hemorrhaged, you may not be as comfortable taking a bath right off the bat. You'll want to check with your midwife or OB before soaking, to be sure they are no longer monitoring your bleeding closely and are satisfied with your clotting.

Can I take the postpartum herbal bath at the hospital?

Many delivery rooms these days do come with tubs. However, some recovery rooms are provided with only showers. If your recovery room has a tub in it, then yes, the tub is there for you to use! However, you'll want to bring your herbs already brewed, or ask your doula to bring them. If the room has no tub, you can still benefit from the herbal sitz by planning ahead at home. Just saturate a maxi pad in the soak, put it in a shallow bowl, and freeze it until you're ready to head to the hospital. Do the same for a couple breast pads.

In addition to the big and beautiful birth story books, my clients receive a mini version to tote along in their purses and brag on their babes whenever the urge arises! The birth brag books are constructed just as the larger versions are, with thick, archival-quality paper made to last, and pages that lay flat for the best possible display. Brag books also make great gifts for the grandparents!

This is when it all starts to feel a little more "real". You curl your hair, pull on the outfit you've had picked out for weeks, convince your partner that the shirt you picked really does look hot on him, find the other shoe for your toddler, switch to another outfit because it just doesn't feel right, and head out the door, wondering what you forgot. Sitting in the passenger seat, you hastily apply mascara to the other eye. Ping! Your phone goes off. Your photographer is texting you, "Just relax. Be 5 minutes late for all I care. You could come naked and it would still be alright. We're going to have a ball." And so you start to relax. You breath in deeply. And then it hits you. You're headed to your maternity session. This is actually happening. You're so close to meeting your little one. Your hand naturally gravitates towards your belly, and you promise to yourself to savor this day, to let go of stress and be present. Because that's what it's about... this photography session... it goes beyond simply having your picture taken. It's about processing, realizing, and enjoying. It's about preserving that feeling for all of time.

Maternity sessions aren't just photo ops with a baby bump. These sessions are typically very lifestyle, taken around town, in a natural area, at a location special to you, or in your home. We'll discuss your maternity session in detail before that special day.

*** When hiring us for your maternity session, it's important to remember that we are, first and foremost, birth photographers. We will likely be on call for one or more mommas during your session. There is always a slim chance that we may need to reschedule the session, either before or during the session. Your flexibility and understanding is very much appreciated, and is a requirement for us to photograph your session. ***

Scheduling

Many moms feel great about shooting around 32-34 weeks into pregnancy. Note that after our session we generally take 30 days to deliver the edited images to you.

Location

Location for maternity sessions is highly variable. This is one of the details we will discuss and fine tune, depending on your comfort, the weather, etc. We generally scout locations very near your session date. Start thinking about whether you’d like an intimate, cozy, in-home session, or an adventurous outdoor session.

Many clients are extreme nesters, with homes under construction or in the moving process. If you desire those gorgeous in-home maternity images but don’t have the right space available to you now, we can select from a number of gorgeous homes for rent by the hour, starting at $125 per hour. To view the spaces, click here. If we're shooting at a rented location, please arrive on-time or a bit early, as our time is strictly limited.

The Cast

Family members and canine babies are encouraged to join in. This is your session, and there are few limitations to what we can do.

Preparation

When it comes to wardrobe, it's important that you feel confident and beautiful! Here are a couple of tips regarding wardrobe for your session:

Bring some shoes/boots you don't mind hiking around in a bit.

Bring a couple of outfits if you'd like to get a lot of variety from your session.

Don't stress out too much about your outfit, and don't get too hung up on Pinterest Perfection.

We have available floral crowns and fabrics we can wrap you in for a fitted simple gown look. If you'd like to try a maternity “gown”, please request it in advance and wear skin-colored underwear (thong preferred) and a skin-colored strapless bra (if you have one that fits).

You do not need to have your hair and makeup done professionally. If doing so makes you feel beautiful, do it! However, if you do your own hair and makeup, you’re more likely to look like yourself in your images. Please note the cost of hair and makeup is not built into your session fee, and will be handled independently between you and your stylist.

You may want to consider pampering yourself (and your partner, if they will be participating in the session) with manicures. It's easy to forget such a small detail, but bad nails can easily ruin your images. Alternatively, just remove all the polish, make sure they are evenly trimmed, and moisturize!

Cost

Maternity sessions are $550 and include approximately 25 retouched digital images in both color and black and white, as well as a print release. Half of your payment is due at the time of booking, and the other half you can pay at or before your session via cash, check, or credit card.

Some moms prefer a completely private birth experience, but still seek gorgeous documentation of those first hours together. Afterglow Sessions are photojournalistic-style sessions which take place in the birthing center, home, or hospital after mom, dad, and baby have gotten a little shut-eye and nourishment. Afterglow Sessions are photographed during daylight hours in the next day or two following birth. Unlike birth sessions, Afterglow sessions do not come with on-call status and priority, and more notice is required before the session can take place.

*** When hiring me for your Afterglow Session, it’s important to remember that I am, first and foremost, a birth photographer. I will likely be on call for one or more mommas during your session. There is always a slim chance that we may need to reschedule the session, either before or during the session. Also keep in mind that I must remain within a reasonable range to clients for whom I’m on call. Your flexibility and understanding is very much appreciated, and is a requirement for me to accept you as a client. ***

Siblings Meeting Baby

Family Meeting Baby

Baby's First Bath

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Afterglow Sessions are $550 and include approximately 40 retouched digital images in both color and black and white, as well as a print release. Half of your payment is due at the time of booking, and the other half you can pay at or before your session via cash, check, or credit card.